< networking > (LAN) A data communications network which is geographically limited (typically to a 1 km radius) allowing easy interconnection of terminals, microprocessor s and computers within adjacent buildings. Ethernet and FDDI are examples of standard LANs.
Because the network is known to cover only a small area, optimisations can be made in the network signal protocols that permit data rates up to 100Mb/s.
See also token ring , wide area network , metropolitan area network ..
Usenet newsgroup: news:comp.dcom.lans.misc .
(1995-03-13)